Editor's note: The author is traveling on a "clean tech road trip" through Ohio and Michigan with experts from NRDC. All of her posts from the trip can be found here on her blog.
In 2008, Andy Holzhauser was watching a PBS special on the Cambridge Energy Alliance in Massachusetts. Inspired by the organization's work, which enables building owners to retrofit inefficient buildings, he was struck with the idea that a similar model could work in his hometown of Cincinnati. After going to the Mayor’s Young Professional Kitchen Cabinet, his idea was approved and the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance was born.
Holzhauser got to work developing a business plan, and began applying for grants that would get his idea off the ground. After winning several local grants, as well as a $17 million U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Grant, the Alliance began to expand rapidly and develop its commercial program. For only $50 -- as compared to the $450 market price -- homeowners and non-profits can order an energy audit of their building. If the audit finds improvements that will lower energy bills, Greater CEA works to make those happen by financing up to 30% of the project and offering low-interest loans.
To date, the organization has recruited 800 building assessments, which resulted in 160 home energy upgrades. The organization also now employs more than 15 people, in addition to their on the ground contractors and AmeriCorps NCCC members. The Alliance also works with Cincinnati State Workforce Development to train new contractors, opening employment doors to a new generation of local efficiency workers. What’s more, the energy savings generated by retrofits spill over into other economic sectors, providing valuable stimulus that helps reinvigorate the greater Cincinnati area.
Company Profile:
- • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
- • Founder: Andy Holzhauser
- • Location: Cincinnati, OH
- • Providing efficiency services since: 2009
- • To date: provided 800 building assessments, resulting in 160 audits
- • Number Employed: 15 in office, plus over 12 contractors and Americorps members
- • Areas served: 6 counties in greater Cincinnati area
